Why, exactly, do Catholics have the practice of baptizing infants?

Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church

BAPTISMS AT ST. JOSEPH

Baptisms for children under the age of seven years old are normally offered at St. Joseph Parish each first Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Check with the office for the availability of specific dates.

REQUIREMENTS

At least one parent must give consent for the baptism. The parents must have a personal commitment to helping their child grow spiritually within the Catholic community. Parents as well as Godparents, are required to attend pre-baptismal classes.

Parents are to be registered, participating members of the St. Joseph parish community.

It is customary to have two godparents for each child, one male and one female. The godparent must be at least 16 years of age and have been confirmed, received First Communion and lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken. The godparent may not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized. If the godparents are not registered members of the St. Joseph parish community, they will need to have:

A letter of recommendation from their parish priest confirming that they are active members of their parish, and have attended the baptismal instructions or,

Have the letter from their pastor and attend all the instructions here at St. Joseph.

All paperwork including a copy of the child’s birth certificate must be turned in to the parish office at least 2 weeks prior to the Baptism date. The date of the Baptism cannot be confirmed until all requirements have been completed.

To start the process or if you have any questions, feel free to contact the parish office at (707) 447-2354.

Baptism of Older Children

R.C.I.C. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for Children)

Children 7 years old or older should enroll in the R.C.I.C. program. Registration normally takes place in the summer months, and classes begin in September.

To find out more about R.C.I.C., contact Jerome Baybayan, Director of Religious Education, at 447-2354.